# NTSB LAX87LA340: Piper JC3-65, N6187H, Sacramento, CA, September 20, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 19, 1987, 18:00 local (Sep 20, 1987, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Sacramento, CA
- Coordinates: 38.639041, -121.539344 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6390&lon=-121.5393&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report October 6, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25692
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA340
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25692/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA340

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS OBSERVED TO BE FLYING AT A VERY LOW ALTITUDE BY TWO SEPARATE WITNESSES. THEY STATED THAT HE WAS FLYING AND MANEUVERING AT APPROXIMATELY 15-20 FEET AGL AND BUZZING POWERLINES. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE CAN NOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED AND THAT THE ENGINE MUST HAVE QUIT. THE ENGINE OPERATED NORMALLY WHEN TEST-RUN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6187H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6187H), registered now, S/N 19357 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER JC3-65
- Registry model: [Piper J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-65) (registry code 7100510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 19357
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: American Aero Flying Club
- Registered owner: Sacramento Aero Services, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: Q96, SACRAMENTO, CA
- Destination: Q96

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, unknown; seat: rear; flight hours: 261 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAC, 10 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870919053599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870919053599A), Sep 19, 1987: Piper J3C65, Sacramento, CA, Substantial damage. Collided with the terrain on a local flight. Observed flying at a very low altitude. Cause of crash undetermined.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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